Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Madurai - Thekaddy - Kumarakom Houseboat - Cochin - Banglore - Mysore - Hassan – Banglore
Trip OverviewOn this trip, you can get to feel the beauty of of South India. You see beautiful temple towns and charming landscapes. Experience the Indian traditions closely and take in the magnificence of the unspoiled nature. You will stay in beautiful hotel resorts and enjoy the rides through tea and cardamom plantations. Enjoy romantic houseboat journeys through the palm-lined water channels of the backwaters
Beautiful landscapes and outstanding architecture, Culture and relaxation.
On arrival you will be received by a representative at the airport.Depending on your arrival you will be transferred to the hotel in Delhi or the tour begins.Namaste and Welcome in India.
After breakfast, explore Chennai, South India's bustling metropolis that combines the colonial heritage with Indian tradition. During the city tour you will visit Fort St. George and St. Thomas Cathedral. Both reflect the colonial and elaborate Kapalishvara Temple which shows the deep-rooted religiosity of South India. Afterwards drive to the beaches of the Coromandel Coast, Mahabalipuram. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
In the morning visit the temples (UNESCO World Heritage), which are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu among others. In a picturesque location surrounded by sandy beaches and the sea, you can study the main temple forms here. In the afternoon, spend time relaxing on the beach.Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
After breakfast drive to Pondicherry. Pondicherry was once a sleepy fishing village and is now a cozy and quiet town. Since it was a French colony before, you are always able to discover the French influences. On the city tour you will visit the ashram of Sri Aurobindo and the famous Vedapureswarar, Varadaraja Perumal and Manakula Vinayakar temple. Overnight in Pondicherry.
Today we drive to Tanjore. En route visit Chidambaram an outstanding place of pilgrimage for every Hindu. The story of the Nataraja temple in Chidambaram dates back about 2,000 years. He is one of the oldest temples in South India. Overnight in Tanjore.
On a day trip you will visit the temple city of Tiruchirapalli. Trichy as it is briefly mentioned, which is home to probably the largest temple complex of Southern India with Srirangam. His golden roofs rise from a green palm sea. Furthermore impress the Jambukeshwara-and the rock fort temple, symbol of the city, situated on a massive rocky hill. Overnight in Tanjore.
The highlight in Tanjore is the Temple Brihadishvara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its 95 meters height, it is one of India's most historic buildings. Small villages, subsequently move to Madurai. Lush green paddy fields and shady palm trees line the road to Madurai. Overnight in hotel in Madurai.
Before you leave Madurai Today you can see the Nayaka Palace. Experience the morning ceremonies at the Meenakshi Temple, India's largest temple complex: A never-ending stream of pilgrims and magnificent images of the Gods keep you under the spell of Hinduism. Through the cardamom hills drive towards Periyar Wildlife Reserve, where tropical birds, bison, sambar deer and elephants live. Overnight in hotel.
Morning boat ride on the Periyar Lake, from here leave the wild animals in the nature reserve observed particularly well. During the visit to a local spice plantation you can see with your own eyes where the pepper grows. On a twisty ride it continues to Kumarakom. Along the way, have beautiful views of tea, coffee, cocoa and spice plantations. In Kumarakom experience a boat ride through the fascinating landscapes of the backwaters, an exotic maze of palm-fringed lagoons, rivers and canals. On board there is everything you need for a pleasant ride and overnight: one bedroom with a comfortable bed, an attached toilet with wash basin, an airy lounge. An overnight stay on the houseboat.
Enjoy the morning atmosphere on board and the sunrise in the backwaters. Fishermen come to the water for fishing and the villages on the banks wake up to a bustling activity. Far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life experience Palm seas and heavenly silence before you familiarize yourself with your coach / car on the way to the port city of Cochin. Overnight in Cochin.
After breakfast city tour of Cochin: "The Pearl of the Arabian Sea". You see in the old town Fort Cochin, among other things, the Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, the famous Chinese fishing nets, the St. Francis church with the tomb of Vasco d Gama and much more. Stroll through the colorful spice and antique markets. In the evening you have the opportunity to attend a Kathakali performance.
From Cochin to Bangalore- by domestic flight (Duration 1 hour 30 minutes). Arrival in Bangalore. Continue drive to Mysore. Mysore is Karnataka's second largest city and famous for its Sandel wood plantations. The tour leads to Maharajapalast to flower and spice market and to Chamundi Hill with stunning views over the city. Overnight at hotel.
In Sravana Belgola you rise reverently upon the holy mountain of Jain with the largest monolith statue in the world. Thousands of delicately carved sculptures adorn the magnificent temples of the Hoysala kings in Belur and Halebid - true highlights of Indian stone carving. Overnight at hotel.
Today your destination is Bangalore, the capital of the state of Karnataka. The city is an example of the coexistence of tradition and modernity. IT technology and gods worship not seem to bother each other here, both has its place. Visit the Botanical Garden and the so-called Bull Temple. Depending on your departure time, farewell dinner and / or transfer to the airport.
An individual extension program can be booked. Prices and information on request.
Inclusive services per personPlease contact us at shivohamdestinations@gmail.com for more details and prices.